Fiery Chicken Penne Mac and Cheese
This Fiery Chicken Penne Mac and Cheese is a delightful twist on the classic comfort dish, inspired by a cherished family recipe from my granddaughter and her father. With a perfect blend of spices, this creamy, cheesy pasta incorporates tender chicken and is topped with a golden breadcrumb crust for added texture. Bursting with flavor from jalapenos, cumin, and coriander, this dish is sure to spice up any dinner table while still being friendly on your waistline. Enjoy it as a hearty one-dish meal, perfect for family gatherings or a cozy night in. Plus, each serving is made with lighter ingredients without sacrificing flavor!
10
Servings
250
Calories
18
Ingredients
Ingredients
light margarine
3 (tablespoons)
onions
1 1/2 (cups, chopped)
garlic cloves
3 (minced (1 1/2 tsp))
cumin
1 1/2 (teaspoons)
coriander
1 1/2 (teaspoons)
unbleached all-purpose flour
1/4 (cup)
low-fat milk
2 (cups)
jalapeno pepper
1 (large, seeded and chopped)
cayenne pepper
1/4 (teaspoon)
salt
1 1/2 (teaspoons)
canned diced tomatoes
2 (cups, undrained)
part-skim mozzarella cheese
1/2 (cup, grated)
low-fat cheddar cheese
1/2 (cup, grated)
low-fat swiss cheese
1/2 (cup, grated)
cooked chicken breasts
2 (cups, chopped)
penne pasta
1 (lb, cooked and drained)
Parmesan cheese
1/2 (cup, grated)
dried breadcrumbs
1/2 (cup)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a large sauté pan, melt the light margarine over medium heat. Once melted, add chopped onions, minced garlic, cumin, and coriander.
3
Sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until the onions are softened and fragrant, stirring frequently.
4
Whisk in the unbleached all-purpose flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly to form a roux.
5
Gradually add the low-fat milk, whisking continuously until fully incorporated and smooth.
6
Increase heat to bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer. Stir in the chopped jalapeno, cayenne pepper, salt, and the canned diced tomatoes along with their juice.
7
Allow the sauce to simmer for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly.
8
Remove the pan from heat and mix in the grated mozzarella, cheddar, and Swiss cheeses, stirring until melted and combined.
9
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cheese sauce, cooked penne pasta, and chopped chicken, mixing well to coat the pasta evenly.
10
Spray a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray and transfer the pasta mixture into the dish, spreading it evenly.
11
In a small bowl, combine the grated Parmesan cheese with the dried breadcrumbs and sprinkle evenly over the pasta.
12
Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the breadcrumb topping is golden brown and crispy.
13
Let cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your spicy mac and cheese!
Nutrition Information
6g
Fat
32g
Carbs
16g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Fiery Chicken Penne Mac and Cheese?
It is a creamy, spicy pasta dish featuring chicken, a blend of three cheeses, and a crunchy breadcrumb topping, inspired by a family recipe.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes 10 servings.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 250 calories.
How much protein is in one serving?
There are 16 grams of protein per serving.
What type of pasta is recommended?
The recipe calls for one pound of cooked and drained penne pasta.
What temperature should I set my oven to?
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
How long does the dish need to bake?
Bake the dish for 30 to 35 minutes until the breadcrumb topping is golden brown.
How many ingredients are required for this recipe?
There are 18 ingredients in total for this recipe.
What kind of chicken should be used?
Use 2 cups of cooked chicken breasts that have been chopped.
What makes this mac and cheese fiery?
The spice comes from a combination of fresh jalapeno, cayenne pepper, cumin, and coriander.
Which cheeses are used in the sauce?
The sauce uses a blend of part-skim mozzarella, low-fat cheddar, and low-fat Swiss cheese.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains 6 grams of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in each serving?
There are 32 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
What size baking dish is required?
A 9x13-inch baking dish is used for this recipe.
How do I prepare the breadcrumb topping?
Combine 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese with 1/2 cup of dried breadcrumbs and sprinkle it over the pasta.
Should the canned tomatoes be drained?
No, the recipe specifies using 2 cups of canned diced tomatoes along with their juice.
How do I start the sauce?
Begin by melting light margarine and sautéing chopped onions, minced garlic, cumin, and coriander.
How long should the sauce simmer?
The sauce should simmer for about 15 minutes until it thickens slightly.
What type of milk is used for the base?
The recipe uses 2 cups of low-fat milk.
How much garlic is included?
The recipe uses 3 cloves of minced garlic, which is approximately 1.5 teaspoons.
Is this recipe considered a healthy option?
Yes, it is designed with lighter ingredients like light margarine and low-fat cheeses to be waistline-friendly.
How should the jalapeno be prepared?
The jalapeno should be seeded and chopped before being added to the sauce.
What is the purpose of the flour in the recipe?
The unbleached all-purpose flour is whisked into the margarine to form a roux that thickens the cheese sauce.
Can I use a different pasta shape?
While penne is traditional for this dish, you could substitute with other sturdy shapes like rotini or macaroni.
How much cumin and coriander is needed?
The recipe uses 1.5 teaspoons each of cumin and coriander.
What is the amount of light margarine used?
The recipe calls for 3 tablespoons of light margarine.
Does this recipe include salt?
Yes, it includes 1.5 teaspoons of salt.
Is there cayenne pepper in the ingredients?
Yes, 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper is added for extra heat.
How many cups of onions are used?
The recipe requires 1.5 cups of chopped onions.
What is the first step of the instructions?
The first step is to preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.